A friend of Naked Philly tipped us off to this one yesterday, and we couldn’t wait to share.

1700 Christian St. is a disaster. It’s been a dilapidated, blighted property for over a decade, which is made even more unfortunate by the fact that a school sits directly across the street. The property is owned by Lurube Developers LLC, which has (possibly, public record is a little confusing on this) owned the property since 2002. Taxes have not been paid on this property since 2006, and the owners owe over $10K in taxes at this time.

From Google

A closer look, in the past

This company also owns 1701 Montrose St., located just to the south. The property on Montrose St. was such a public safety hazard, it was torn down by the city in the last couple of years. Taxes were last paid here in 2005, and (due to a much lower annual tax burden) the owners owe the city over $5K in taxes at this time. As you can see from this Google image, before it was demoed, it was even more poorly maintained than its neighbor to the north.

Montrose St. house. Now a vacant lot.

As we explained in detail several months ago, L&I is working to reduce blight on blocks that are largely occupied, and has been utilizing Doors & Windows citations to force owners of blighted properties to install windows and doors to reduce the blighting influence of these buildings. We’ve seen success stories, and L&I has tracked several transformations on their Facebook page in the past few months.

Today, we share the hilariously unsuccessful attempt of a deadbeat property owner to try to fulfill the requirements set forth by the Doors & Windows Ordinance.

The building today. Notice windows have replaced plywood on the first floor?

Or have they?

What the?!?!

Yes, that’s right. It’s plexiglass. The people who own this disgusting building are trying to get around a Doors & Windows violation by screwing plexiglass into the building’s window frames. We’re guessing L&I won’t be buying what they’re selling. Right?

We’re just trying to figure out what’s more insulting: Allowing a property to continue to disintegrate for ten years on an otherwise nice block? Trying to lazily skirt the law? Or neglecting to pay property taxes for half a decade?

Tell you what, Lurube Developers LLC- just sell the building. Like, right away. Seriously. And all will be forgiven.

Probably.